Polish Cherry Nalewka Recipe - Wisniak

Bowl of red Cherries
Francesco Carta fotografo/Moment/Getty Images
  • 20 mins
  • Prep: 20 mins,
  • Cook: 0 mins
  • Yield: About 1 quart (21 servings)
Ratings (11)

By Barbara Rolek

Updated 08/23/17

A Polish nalewka is an aged cordial. The most common types are made with fruit and either vodka or rectified spirits. This recipe for cherry nalewka or wiśniak is traditionally made with Morello cherries, a sour type of cherry. If Morello cherries aren't available in your area, you can certainly use sour pie cherries. Nalewki make excellent edible gifts, so plan accordingly when making them for Christmas.

Here is a larger photo of Polish cherry nalewka or wisniak.

What You'll Need

  • 1/2 pound sour cherries (washed, stemmed, and pitted)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups  rectified spirits (or good-quality vodka like  chopin vodka)

How to Make It

  1. Place cherries in a 1 quart (1 liter) jar. Pour sugar over cherries (do not stir or shake). Slowly pour the spirits or vodka over the cherries until the jar is full (leave a slight gap at the top). Make sure cherries are covered, but do not stir or shake. Tightly close the jar and place in a pantry or closet for 3 months at room temperature.
  2. After 3 months, strain the nalewka and rebottle. It may be drunk immediately or aged further. Don't throw away the fruit. It is delicious on ice cream, pound cake or other desserts.
    Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
    Calories 92
    Total Fat 0 g
    Saturated Fat 0 g
    Unsaturated Fat 0 g
    Cholesterol 0 mg
    Sodium 1 mg
    Carbohydrates 11 g
    Dietary Fiber 0 g
    Protein 0 g
    (The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)